Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 2 Tbsp cooking oil; 1 lb broccoli; 1 small yellow onion; 1/2 lb white button mushrooms; 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth; 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp light brown sugar; 1 Tbsp corn starch; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp fresh ginger; 1 tsp garlic; 1/4 tsp black pepper

There’s something so comforting about a classic stir-fry. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor! This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a weeknight winner in my house. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out the veggies or adjust the sauce to your liking. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this stir-fry comes together in about 30 minutes.
Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your preference.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters usually enjoy this one!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken Breast	1 lb	Boneless, skinless, cut into 3/4″ pieces
Cooking Oil	2 Tbsp	I use extra light olive oil, but any neutral oil works
Broccoli	1 lb	Cut into florets (about 5 cups)
Yellow Onion	1 small	Sliced into strips
White Button Mushrooms	1/2 lb	Thickly sliced
Chicken Broth	2/3 cup	Low sodium
Soy Sauce	3 Tbsp	Low sodium (use Tamari for gluten-free)
Brown Sugar	2 Tbsp	Packed (or honey to taste)
Corn Starch	1 Tbsp
Sesame Oil	1 Tbsp
Fresh Ginger	1 tsp	Peeled and grated (lightly packed)
Garlic	1 tsp	2 small cloves, grated
Black Pepper	1/4 tsp	Plus more to season chicken

Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Whisk well to dissolve the sugar and corn starch. Warming the broth slightly can help the sugar dissolve faster. Set the sauce aside.
Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (no more than 3/4” thick) and season lightly with black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to get a good sear. Then, stir-fry for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a bowl and loosely cover to keep warm.
Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, along with the broccoli florets, sliced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add Sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the vegetables. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the garlic and ginger flavors mellow. If the sauce is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and stir for another 30 seconds, or until heated through. Add more soy sauce to taste, if needed. Serve immediately over hot rice.

Tips & Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat.
Add Different Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Protein Swap: Shrimp or beef can be substituted for the chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use Tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is fantastic served with:

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing! Jasmine or basmati rice work particularly well.
Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein noodles are a delicious alternative to rice.
Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls complement the stir-fry beautifully.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a recipe I return to again and again because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and stir-fry everything just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What kind of oil should I use?

I prefer extra light olive oil because of its neutral flavor, but you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. This will help it get nice and crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.